For your driving pleasure
Behind the wheel, the 3.2-litre V6 distinguishes itself by its heftier accelerations and throttle response, on top of being coupled with a smoother automatic transmission than its 4-cylinder brother, benefiting from 5 speeds instead of four.
There is a price to pay, of course: the V6 supposedly consumes 6.6% more fuel than the 4-cylinder engine, at least according to the automaker’s figures. In real life, this means average fuel consumption of 12.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which is what we recorded at the end of our 700-km long city and highway road test.
Does it guzzle more than a RAV4 or a CR-V? A little bit. This is due to the fact that the Grand Vitara, which is around 100 kg heavier, has more in common with a truck than a car.
In fact, its four-wheel drive system is suited to off-road driving. In normal conditions, the driver can leave the centre console knob at the 4H position at all times. The system then operates reactively, sending torque to the front wheels when needed and thus maximizing fuel efficiency.
However, to tackle tougher driving conditions, simply select 4H Lock (high mode, locked centre differential) or 4L Lock (low mode). The V6-equipped models like my JLX-L tester even feature Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control functions that can prove quite handy in hairy situations.
Spacious cabin
The Grand Vitara’s cabin is spacious and perfectly accommodates four adults, five if need be. The front seats are big and comfortable, offering an elevated view that increases your sense of security. In the JLX and JLX-L versions the seats are heated, an obvious plus during the winter months, especially in the leather-clad JLX-L.
The power steering is precise and gives just the right amount of assistance. On the other hand, a both telescopic and tilting steering wheel would enable the driver to find the optimal driving position. As for the dash, its layout is ergonomic if not spectacular.
Behind the wheel, the 3.2-litre V6 distinguishes itself by its heftier accelerations and throttle response, on top of being coupled with a smoother automatic transmission than its 4-cylinder brother, benefiting from 5 speeds instead of four.
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| Selecting the all-wheel drive’s operating mode is as simple as turning a knob on the centre console. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
There is a price to pay, of course: the V6 supposedly consumes 6.6% more fuel than the 4-cylinder engine, at least according to the automaker’s figures. In real life, this means average fuel consumption of 12.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which is what we recorded at the end of our 700-km long city and highway road test.
Does it guzzle more than a RAV4 or a CR-V? A little bit. This is due to the fact that the Grand Vitara, which is around 100 kg heavier, has more in common with a truck than a car.
In fact, its four-wheel drive system is suited to off-road driving. In normal conditions, the driver can leave the centre console knob at the 4H position at all times. The system then operates reactively, sending torque to the front wheels when needed and thus maximizing fuel efficiency.
However, to tackle tougher driving conditions, simply select 4H Lock (high mode, locked centre differential) or 4L Lock (low mode). The V6-equipped models like my JLX-L tester even feature Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control functions that can prove quite handy in hairy situations.
Spacious cabin
The Grand Vitara’s cabin is spacious and perfectly accommodates four adults, five if need be. The front seats are big and comfortable, offering an elevated view that increases your sense of security. In the JLX and JLX-L versions the seats are heated, an obvious plus during the winter months, especially in the leather-clad JLX-L.
The power steering is precise and gives just the right amount of assistance. On the other hand, a both telescopic and tilting steering wheel would enable the driver to find the optimal driving position. As for the dash, its layout is ergonomic if not spectacular.
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| The dash is both elegant and ergonomic. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |